ADELE's record-breaking run ends

ADELE’s incredible 11-week record run at the top of the album charts is finally over.  She was displaced last night by the Foo Fighters.

     Foo Fighters, who have sold over 4million albums in the UK since 1995 collected their third album number one with their seventh studio album, courtesy of ‘Wasting Light.’  It sold 114,000 copies in its first week, to see off ADELE’s record-breaking album ’21.’ 

RECORDS: '21' has changed the face of music in 2011

     Nevertheless, London born artist ADELE has taken the music world by storm in 2011 so far, and few would be surprised if she cleaned up at next year’s BRIT Awards.  ‘21’ has collected almost as many records as HMV!  A fortnight ago, ADELE’s album was named as the most downloaded ever on Amazon.  During her reign at the top, she also overtook Madonna’s run in staying at the top for so long.  She now holds the record for the most consecutive weeks at the top of the album chart ever for a solo artist.  ‘21’ was released on January 21 this year, so this highlights the domination that ADELE has had on the failing music album industry.

     Personally, I’ve not listened to the whole album, but I am a fan of ADELE’s music and her breathtaking performance of ‘Make You Feel My Love’ at this year’s BRITS was one of the best ever live performances I’ve ever seen from any musical act.  ‘Rolling in the Deep,’ which is the main multi-platinum hit on the album, is also a very catchy and addictive song.  She isn’t any stranger to success, having had a lot of critical acclaim for her first album, ’19,’ back in 2008.  This particular album was the breakthrough in ADELE’s career, with cracking songs such as ‘Hometown Glory’ and ‘Chasing Pavements.’  Now, she has followed it up with another masterpiece, and I’m confident that ADELE is going to have a very successful and lengthy career in music.  The album sounds stunning and I will be looking forward to listening to the whole of it, and seeing how good it really is. 

     Some don’t like ADELE, in fact; she’s almost the musical version of Marmite!  She is one of those artists who you are either going to love or hate.  However, her music speaks to me and I’m a massive fan.  Her record-breaking run may be over, but she has shattered the music record books and I’m delighted she has.  If you love ADELE, ‘21’ sounds like an absolute must-buy!    

BRIT Awards 2011 - Tinie and Arcade Fire steal the show

NEW: New venue, new trophy - but another special night for the BRITS

TONIGHT’S BRIT awards ceremony in London was a colourful and explosive celebration of music, in many different ways.  Canadian indie band Arcade Fire and British rapper Tinie Tempah were the big winners, as both collected two awards at the 02 Arena.  There were also big wins for Take That, Mumford and Sons and Rihanna.

Tinie Tempah was the favourite to storm the ceremony this evening, as he led last month’s nominations with four.  Sure enough, he claimed two awards; for British Breakthrough Act and Best British Single.  His incredible song ‘Pass Out’ held off stiff competition from the likes of bookies favourite Matt Cardle, Plan B and Scouting for Girls amongst others.  However, he missed out on British Male Solo Artist, which went to the brilliant Plan B.  When Elton John compares you as the male version of Amy Winehouse, it might set some alarm bells ringing, but Plan B has the potential to build massively on his second album ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks,’ and confirmed to host of the show, James Cordon, that he is planning a hip-hop/reggae mix for his next album.

Arcade Fire had struggled to hit the heights before 2010, but ‘The Suburbs,’ was their massive breakthrough.  It was the band’s third album, but it went straight to number one in Canada, the US and the UK and they won the Best International Album award, along with International Group.  The eight-piece group looked stunned to have achieved so much success in the last twelve months; “Thank you Britain, we are so honoured.’  Unlike Tinie Tempah, whose live performance was electric and extravagant, Arcade Fire’s live show was okay, without ever being spectacular.

SUCCESS: Take That picked up another award tonight

Robbie Williams decision to rejoin Take That in the summer of last year was one of the big music headlines in the previous calendar year and they look stronger than ever.  They kicked the glitzy ceremony off full of colour and fireworks which surrounded their performance of ‘Kidz.’  Later in the night, they scooped the British Group award, which means it is now a staggering 20 BRIT wins between Robbie as a solo artist and Take That as a group.  Despite this, ‘Progress,’ a massive seller lost out in the prestigious award category of the evening.  Instead, the MasterCard British Album of the year went to the unfancied Mumford and Sons.  Their album ‘Sigh No More,’ has sold over one million copies, but up against the likes of Take That, Plan B and Tinie Tempah, their chances can’t have been great.

Just like the X-Factor final before Christmas, Rihanna decided not to wear much clothing for her live performance.  Sometimes you wonder if she has heard of the word!  Her miming was ridiculous, the dancers looked horrific and quite frankly, it was one of the worst performances I’ve ever seen in BRITS history.  How some people can see her as a hottie is beyond me!  Nevertheless, Rihanna is a general hit with the British public and she denied Katy Perry a deserved success to claim the International Female Solo Artist. 

Other winners on the night were Jessie J, who was the pre-selected winner of the Critics Choice award.  She follows in the footsteps of ADELE and Florence + the Machine, in becoming the fourth female to win this award.  She looked very emotional on claiming the award from last year’s recipient, Ellie Goulding.  “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making my dreams come true,” she said, almost bursting into tears.  Cee Lo Green won nothing in 2007, having been nominated three times.  Four years later, he returned to win the Best International Male Solo Artist award, with his no.1 single ‘Forget You’ reaching two million hits in one week on YouTube last year.  16-year old Justin Bieber was the unsurprising winner of the International Breakthrough Act, largely down to the viewers of MTV and there was a total shock in the British Female Solo Artist category, as the unheard Laura Marling beat Cheryl Cole and Ellie Goulding to the prize.

With celebrities on the night ranging from Radio 1’s Fearne Cotton, chatty man Alan Carr, F1 ace Lewis Hamilton and former singer, turned actor Will Young giving out awards, other attention went out to the live performers.  There can be no doubt that ADELE wins in this category.  The 21-year old gave a stunning and spine-tingling performance of her new single, which is currently no.1 in 17 countries.  It left everyone in the 02 Arena in shock!  Plan B’s live routine looked more like a violent episode of The Simpsons.  However, his medley of ‘Prayin’ and ‘She Said’ totally rocked.  Aside from Rihanna and a brave, but forgettable live show from Mumford & Sons, most of the performances live were fairly decent this year, compared with some of the drunk, half-hearted attempts of recent years.  As for James Cordon, his performance as host was mellow and decent, but it never reached the expected heights.  I don’t think he will hang onto this position for the 2012 ceremony.

CHANGE: Dame Vivienne Westwood designed the new style

2010 was an unforgettable year of music across the world and the biggest night in the music calendar year certainly didn’t disappoint.  Let’s see what 2011 will bring, but don’t be too surprised if the stars of this year’s BRITS end up dominating next year’s ceremony too.

BRITS nominations honour Tinie Tempah

DOMINATOR: Tinie Tempah should be the big winner

UK rapper Tinie Tempah is the frontrunner for the 2011 BRIT awards, scooping four nominations.  Star of such hit songs, ‘Pass Out’ and ‘Written in the Stars,’ Tempah looked delighted to have been held in such regard at Thursday’s launch ceremony.  He looks set to have a big blast come the time of the prestigious music ceremony, to be held on February 15 at the 02 Arena. 

He was nominated in all the main British categories ‘British Breakthrough Act’ ‘British Single,’ ‘British Male Solo Artist and ‘British Album of the Year’ for ‘Discovery.  Plan B will go face-to-face with Tinie Tempah in three of these categories.  Mercury Prize winners the xx and Mumford & Sons also appear three times on the shortlists.  There are two nominations for Ellie Goulding, proving that she has come a long way from winning the Critics Choice award in 2010.  The reformed Take That earn a couple of nominations and Cheryl Cole will come up against X-Factor stars Alexandra Burke and 2010 winner Matt Cardle for the ‘British Single’ prize.

DOUBLE: Katy Perry is up for two gongs

Having no nominated album meant that Lady Gaga was missing from the nomination scene, which might be seen as a relief to some, after the show she put in last year in the odd-looking dress that she dedicated to late fashion designer Alexander McQueen.  Without Gaga, the international stage looks weaker that normal and the nominations are shared out this time around.  After a sensational year, which included a high-profile marriage to Russell Brand and three No.1 singles, Katy Perry earns herself two nominations and is possibly unlucky to not receive anymore.  Kings of Leon, Eminem, Arcade Fire and Cee Lo Green also receive a pair of nominations.

The ceremony will once again be broadcasted by ITV and sponsored by MasterCard.  The venue switch to the 02 Arena is a new feature, with the BRITS having been traditionally held at the Royal Albert Hall over the previous decade.  The winning trophy has been radically designed by Vivienne Westwood and ex-Gavin & Stacey star James Cordon will host the show. 

Music is almost ready to have its big night of the year, but it will have to take some shock to stop Tinie Tempah dominating the night.

KEY AWARD NOMINATIONS:

British Breakthrough Act: Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding, The xx, Mumford & Sons, Rumer                 International Group: Kings of Leon, Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, The Script, Black Eyed Peas   International Male Solo Artist: Cee Lo Green, Kanye West, Eminem, David Guetta, Bruce Springsteen British Female Solo Artist: Ellie Goulding, Cheryl Cole, Rumer, Laura Marling, Paloma Faith                              British Male Solo Artist: Plan B, Tinie Tempah, Mark Ronson, Paul Weller, Robert Plant                    International Female Solo Artist: Rihanna, Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, Robyn, Alicia Keys                      BritishGroup: Take That,Mumford & Sons, Gorillaz, The xx, Biffy Clyro                                                      MasterCard British Album: ‘Discovery’ – Tinie Tempah, ‘Sigh No More’ – Mumford & Sons, ‘Progress’ – Take That, ‘’Defamation of Strictland Banks’ – Plan B, ‘The xx’ – The xx

Cheryl and Ashley Split - No Surprises

After weeks of speculation about sordid affairs involving another top-paid Premiership superstar who plays for Chelsea Football Club, the news broke yesterday of Cheryl Cole’s split from her husband, Ashley.

The England left-back, who is currently out injured with a broken ankle and faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup in South Africa has seen a series of front page headlines for the wrong reasons, with allegation of affairs with up to six different women, whilst with Cheryl.  Eventually, the Girls Aloud singer has decided enough is enough and rightly so.

Following the recent furore surrounding Chelsea skipper John Terry, this is the last thing that both Carlo Ancelotti and Fabio Capello needed.  Capello has come out today with a quote, warning the England team about their future conduct.  It will be very interesting to see what the spirit in the camp will be like, with next week’s friendly against Egypt at Wembley looming large.  Chelsea have taken action and fined Cole for his actions, reports suggesting up to £400,000.  Ashley should be hanging his head in shame, he only has got himself to blame.  Excuses are the saddest and oldest trick in the book when it comes to infidelity. 

For Cheryl, it’s time to move on and she has such incredible support from her fans and close friends.  Girls Aloud will be backing her all the way, as they have done throughout, as will her close associates from The X-Factor.  Her performance at last week’s BRIT awards showed bravery, but in reality, she probably should have pulled out, as it sounded terrible.  A few days away in the United States were the best thing she could have done, and it is clear that she has done a load of thinking.  Ashley had played away before, back in 2007 and it took a lot of courage for him to be forgiven for that.  Stupidity should have been stamped on Cheryl’s head if she took him back again.  I still think she probably still loves him, but if there is no trust in a relationship, then it just isn’t going to work.

The Cole marriage has been under scrutiny for a while now; it has been one of the most talked about celebrity couples, but nowhere near on the strand of ‘Brand Beckham.’  Yesterday’s news was no surprise at all; it had been expected for a long while.  Cheryl has now requested for the media to leave her alone and give time to sort her head out.  I would hope that will be the case, though knowing the British media, that’s probably more of a hopeful rather than expectant plea.  She can do a load better than Ashley Cole and I do hope that everything will end up working for her in the end.

My final point is on relationships involving sportstars.  The Tiger Woods shenanigans before Christmas still burn very bright, especially after his frank press conference last week.  Formula 1 ace Lewis Hamilton went his separate ways with Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger at the start of the year, though there is now talk they are back together and now the latest implications involving Terry and Cole.  This is the case of ‘Men Behaving Badly,’ and big time.  You’d think these highly-paid global stars would be able to keep their trousers on, especially considering the farcical wages they pick up during a horrible economic period.  It would be nice to see these guys began again to dominate the back pages for their actual talents, rather than their clear lack of relationship skills on the front pages.  Lessons need to be learnt from this wave of cheating scandals, but will they….I really find that hard to believe…   

Fashion Industry: A Crippling Victim of the Recession

Last Friday saw the beginning of one of the biggest events on the fashion calendar, London Fashion Week.  However, the fashion industry is in dire straits, thanks to the recession, which has seen the collapse of many major fashion houses across the world.

Big names such as Escada and Luella Bartley have gone bust and the tragic death of Alexander McQueen only ten days ago has sparked a major cloud over such an established and glamorous event.  Fashion designer McQueen was found dead in his flat on Thursday 11^th February, with suicide the apparent cause of his untimely demise.  An inquest has already opened into his death, and liabilities of around £32million could well be found as a main cause for his suicide.  McQueen’s amazing fashion designs may have dazzled many for over a decade, but if his perilous financial state is eventually confirmed, then his legacy could sadly be tarnished by crippling debt.  For the short-term at least, he shall be remembered for the crazy designs which were worn by many, including Lady Gaga, who paid an emotional tribute to McQueen at last Tuesday’s BRIT awards.  Her emotion when collected her three awards showed how much she had been affected by the death.

Other fashion houses have already disappeared from the eyes of many in the public in the last 18 months, largely due to the recession.  People may think that MFI and Woolworths were the two biggest names to have been dissolved by the credit crunch, but those who are linked into the fashion industry would soundly disagree.  The French fashion house, Christian Lacroix is probably the biggest name to have gone bust.  It collapsed last year and although it was seen as a flamboyant and extravagant house, it never actually turned over a profit, reporting losses of between £5million & £10million before the start of the credit crunch.  Another name that disappeared and sadly missed is Hardy Amles.  Set-up way back in 1946 by Edwin Hardy Amles, his chain designed dresses for the dearly missed Diana, Princess of Wales and the strip for England’s 1966 World Cup football success.  However, in 2008 it went bust, and just twelve months later, so did Luella Bartley, which was the outlet often, in use by singer Lily Allen and Kate Moss.  Luella Bartley only started trading business at the turn of the millennium, but its longevity didn’t matter when its main investor withdrew financial backing, possibly aware of the problems the UK was about to suffer.  Bartley was highly recommended and was gaining a decent reputation in the British fashion industry, so her demise sent a ripple of shock and dismay through the whole industry.

London Fashion Week is bound to forget its troubles briefly for the coming days, as it will play hosts to outrageous designs and gorgeous models, but for how long is it going to remain glamorous and successful to the naked eye of the general public.  It is quite clear that the fashion industry has been severely dented by money trouble, just how long can it continue to be a driving success…it is unknown. 

Alexander McQueen, you will be missed by everyone, RIP.

The BRIT Awards 2010 - A Celebration of Top-Notch Music

This blog was first published on February 17th at http://happydude88.livejournal.com/

Last night saw music’s biggest night of the year at London’s Earls Court. As ever the BRIT awards didn’t disappoint with a night of questionable fashion dresses, stunning music performances and surprising winners.

The big winner of last night was Lady Gaga. Gaga was nominated in three categories and won in all three for Best International Album, Best International Breakthrough Act & Best International Female Solo Artist. She was very emotional and thanked her fans massively for what she considered, was a major surprise. However, her fashion sense was less to be desired. Once again, Lady Gaga’s personality toppled her music. She clearly was affected by the tragic death of fashion designer, Alexander McQueen last week and her performance live was terrible. It was an unrecognisable piece and by pressing the same button regularly on an electronic keyboard, it felt like a 6-year old could have done a better job. Nevertheless, it was a moving tribute to a sorely missed figure in the fashion industry.

On a British side, JLS were the starring performers, with one of the most breathtaking live performances of the night and two awards. It has been an incredible year for the boy band, the 2008 X-Factor runners-up and the group is probably amongst the biggest band for a generation. They were very gracious and thanked almost everybody for their awards. Their win of Best British Single for ‘Beat Again,’ was a major surprise, as the smart money with the bookmakers was with Cheryl Cole’s hit ‘Fight for this Love.’

Speaking of Cole, it was clear that she is struggling personally with her life at the moment, following further revelations of Ashley Cole’s shocking behaviour, which could well end their marriage. She looked down all night and her performance certainly wasn’t that inspiring. One of the best performances was the much-anticipated duet between Dizzee Rascal and Florence + the Machine. The duet for “You’ve Got the Dirtee Love’ might hit the charts as a charity contribution for the Haiti earthquake appeal. It was a great link and both were big winners too on the night. Dizzee edged out Robbie Williams for the title of Best British Solo Artist and Florence thoroughly deserved her award for the MasterCard Album of the Year, for the stunning album ‘Lungs.’

Funny moments of the nights included Lily Allen’s orange wig disguise so the cameras couldn’t pick up a disappointed face for Best British Female Solo Artist. Unfortunately for Lily, she couldn’t hide from the screen as she won the award, her first BRIT. Plus, it completes a full circle for the outspoken artist, who severely criticised the BRITS for their purpose just three years ago. Six years after their breakthrough, Kasabian finally won their first BRIT for Best British Group. In collecting the award, Tom from the band fell over on the stage, probably leaving him with bruising in the morning. However, the award win will probably make up for that.


Liam Gallagher’s childish acting was the one low point of the entire night. Oasis won the Best British Album for 30 Years, (celebrating the 30th anniversary), but didn’t thank his brother Noel on stage, following their bitter split last August. He then chucked his microphone and BRIT award into the crowd, reportedly smashing Alan Carr’s glasses. Gallagher was then called a k##b by the presenter, Peter Kay and rightly so. It was a shameful act and his expletives used in the ITV2 after-party show suggested it wasn’t a heat-in-the-moment incident.

To finish off, Robbie Williams is well and truly back. His medley concert performance at the end, to celebrate winning the BRIT Outstanding Contribution Award was sensational. He delighted the crowd with a showcase of old and new songs, anyone who can question Robbie’s well-being should think again about what they are saying if they watch his performance last night.

The BRIT awards in recent years have been dismal, with drunken performances, low-quality presenters and a distinct lack of organisation. However, it returned to its glamorous days last night, and apart from one individual who tried to ruin things, it was a great ceremony and probably a spectacular party. 2009 was a great year for UK music, let’s hope 2010 continues the tread…